CEBU CITY – Presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio doused growing speculations that she is running for president in next year's elections.
In her first public appearance since her much talked about trip here, Duterte-Carpio reiterated she is not interested to run for president.
“No I do not have plans to run for President,” she told reporters after attending two events in Liloan town, northern Cebu on Sunday, October 24.
The Davao City mayor arrived in Cebu on Friday, the same day that former Senator and presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos flew in.
The two were confirmed to have held a closed-door meeting in a Cebu City hotel.
Duterte-Carpio last Saturday.
But Duterte-Carpio said the possibility of her running for president was not discussed in the meeting.
“There are no talks about it. What we talked about was how HNP (Hugpong ng Pagbabago) in Davao region can help in his bid for the presidency,” she said.
When further asked if the possibilty becoming a runnigmate of Marcos was discussed, Carpio-Duterte said it would be better to ask the former Senator.
"I cannot comment on that but you can ask him since he is the one who is a candidate for a national position.”
Duterte-Carpio said she flew in upon the invitation of the Garcia family headed by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
In her speech during the opening of Pier 88 in Liloan town, northern Cebu, Duterte-Carpio shared her close relationship with the Garcias.
“Governor Gwen has been a friend since 2012 when I was invited to one of the tourism events of Cebu. Last night I was with her and I told her, beyond politics, do not forget that since 2012 I was already here in Cebu to support and as a friend) and of course not to forget my roots from Cebu,” she said.
”My maternal grandparents are from Tuburan and my paternal grandparents are from Danao," Duterte-Carpio added.
She also attended the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Cebu Chapter general assembly later in the day.
Duterte-Carpio then teased the crowd when she appealed for support.
"I ask all of you not to forget to campaign for me to your friends in Davao. Please do not forget to campaign for me......in Davao,” she said.
Duterte-Carpio has already filed her certificate for candidacy for her reelection bid but can still run for a national position via substitution, which is allowed until November 15.